Discover remote landscapes, Tibetan culture, and the breathtaking Shey Phoksundo Lake on this Upper Dolpo Trek guide.

Upper Dolpo Trek: A Journey into Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Kingdom

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich trekking adventures, offering an authentic journey through ancient Tibetan Buddhist regions untouched by modern civilization. Located in the far west of Nepal, Upper Dolpo lies within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, centuries-old monasteries like Shey Gompa, and rugged mountain landscapes that rise above 5,000 meters.

This restricted trekking region requires a special permit, preserving its pristine environment and traditional lifestyle. Trekkers can expect high passes such as Kang La and Shey La, breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, and encounters with nomadic communities who still practice age-old Bon and Buddhist traditions.

Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude, spirituality, and adventure, the Upper Dolpo Trek offers an unforgettable glimpse into a mystical land often called “the last enclave of pure Tibetan culture.” The best time to trek is from May to October, when the trails are dry and the mountain views are crystal clear.

Highlights

Shey Phoksundo Lake
Shey Gompa
Himalayan adventure
Bon culture
Restricted area trek

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (4,600 ft)

Highlights: Trek preparation, cultural exploration.

Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Explore UNESCO heritage sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath. Attend a trek briefing and check your gear.

Pro Tip: Get last-minute trekking essentials in Thamel.

Day 02 :

Flight to Nepalgunj (492 ft)

Highlights: Scenic flight, gateway to Dolpo.

Fly to Nepalgunj, a transit hub in western Nepal. Enjoy authentic Terai cuisine and rest before your next flight.

Day 03 :

Flight to Juphal (8,202 ft) → Trek to Dunai (6,890 ft)

Highlights: Stunning mountain flight, first trek day.

Take a 35-minute flight to Juphal, then trek along the Bheri River to reach Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo.

Local Secret: Visit the Bon Gompa for insights into ancient Himalayan traditions.

Day 04 :

Dunai → Chhepka (8,692 ft)

Highlights: Lush forests, traditional villages.

Trek through subtropical forests and remote settlements, following the Phoksundo River.

Day 05 :

Chhepka → Amchi Hospital → Phoksundo Lake (11,849 ft)

Highlights: Nepal’s deepest lake, Tibetan medicine.

Reach the Amchi Hospital, which specializes in traditional Tibetan medicine. Arrive at the mesmerizing turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake.

Did You Know? Shey Phoksundo Lake is 145m deep and considered sacred by Buddhists.

Day 06 :

Acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake

Highlights: Rest day, cultural immersion.

Hike to a viewpoint for panoramic lake views and visit Bonpo monasteries.

Day 07 :

Phoksundo Lake → Phoksundo Khola (11,300 ft)

Highlights: Riverside trails, stunning cliffs.

Hike through deep gorges along the Phoksundo River and camp by the riverbank.

Day 08 :

Phoksundo Khola → Snowfields Camp (14,400 ft)

Highlights: Alpine landscapes, glacier valleys.

Ascend into barren, high-altitude landscapes near Kang La Pass Base Camp.

Day 09 :

Snowfields Camp → Kang La Pass (17,700 ft) → Shey Gompa (14,035 ft)

Highlights: High mountain pass, ‘Crystal Monastery’.

An early ascent to Kang La Pass, the highest point of this trek. Descend to Shey Gompa, a spiritual hub of Dolpo.

Day 10 :

Rest & Exploration at Shey Gompa

Highlights: Cultural insights, high-altitude acclimatization.

Visit the 800-year-old Shey Monastery and interact with Buddhist monks.

Day 11 :

Shey Gompa → Namgung (14,271 ft)

Highlights: Tibetan culture, yak caravans.

Trek through vast valleys and stay in a traditional homestay.

Day 12 :

Namgung → Saldang (12,894 ft)

Highlights: Largest Upper Dolpo village, ancient monasteries.

Explore Saldang, a culturally rich Tibetan-style village with centuries-old monasteries.

Day 13 :

Saldang → Khoma Gaon (13,123 ft)

Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path trekking.

A peaceful trek through rarely visited Dolpo landscapes.

Day 14 :

Khoma Gaon → Shimen (12,631 ft)

Highlights: Isolated trails, stunning valleys.

Descend through terraced fields and traditional Dolpo settlements.

Day 15 :

Shimen → Tinje (13,674 ft)

Highlights: High-altitude pasture lands.

Follow yak trails and interact with locals in Tinje, a remote Dolpo village.

Day 16 :

Tinje → Yak Kharka (14,763 ft)

Pastoral landscapes, Himalayan panoramas.

Enjoy serene mountain views as you trek through open grasslands.

Day 17 :

Yak Kharka → Chharka Bhot (13,484 ft)

Highlights: Tibetan culture, Buddhist chortens.

Stay in Chharka Bhot, an important cultural stop.

Day 18 :

Chharka Bhot → Nulungsumda (15,157 ft)

Highlights: High-altitude pass preparation.

Trek through remote terrains leading toward Niwas La Pass.

Day 19 :

Nulungsumda → Niwas La Pass (16,732 ft) → Sangda Phedi (15,748 ft)

Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views.

Cross the Niwas La Pass, an awe-inspiring high-altitude challenge.

Day 20 :

Sangda Phedi → Sangda (12,795 ft)

Highlights: Stunning ridgeline trekking.

Descend through rugged, lesser-explored Dolpo landscapes.

Day 21 :

Sangda → Phalyak (10,800 ft)

Highlights: Rejoining civilization.

Trek towards Phalyak, a gateway back to Mustang.

Day 22 :

Phalyak → Jomsom (8,890 ft)

Highlights: Completion of the trek!

Arrive at Jomsom, marking the end of your Upper Dolpo adventure.

Day 23 :

Flight to Pokhara

Highlights: Scenic mountain flight, relaxation.

Fly back to Pokhara and unwind by Phewa Lake.

Day 24 :

Flight to Kathmandu & Departure

Highlights: End of an epic journey.

Fly back to Kathmandu, explore the city, and prepare for departure.

Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary: Ultimate 24-Day Himalayan Adventure

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Upper Dolpo Trek: A Journey into Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Kingdom

Highlights

Itineary

Cost Includes/Excludes

What the Trek Includes

What the Trek Excludes

Upper Dolpo Trek

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Trip facts

Important Links

Targets & Plans

About Us

Achievements

Archives

Categories